Co-planar Electrodes with Modulus-Graded Particles for Piezoelectric d33 Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), pose environmental and health concerns, and there is a need for materials with improved piezoelectric coefficients, particularly the d33 charge coefficient, to enhance the performance of piezoelectric devices without using lead.
Innovation Solution
A composite article comprising a dry piezoelectric layer with non-electrically-connected co-planar patterned electrodes containing electrically-conductive material and particles with a different Young's modulus, distributed uniformly to enhance the piezoelectric charge coefficient d33, allowing for improved stress distribution and piezoelectric response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is used as piezoelectric material, then piezoelectric performance is improved, but environmental and health concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful lead component from the piezoelectric material system while maintaining the essential piezoelectric functionality through alternative materials and structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials consisting of piezoelectric ceramic particles embedded in a polymer matrix to achieve lead-free piezoelectric performance, combining the advantages of both ceramic (high piezoelectric coefficient) and polymer (flexibility, safety) materials
2Reliability
If particles with different Young's modulus are distributed in electrodes, then piezoelectric charge coefficient d33 is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by distributing particles with different Young's modulus specifically within the electrode regions adjacent to the piezoelectric layer, creating localized stress concentration zones that enhance the piezoelectric effect without requiring entire device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter (Young's modulus) of the electrode material by incorporating particles with different modulus values, thereby modifying the stress distribution characteristics and enhancing the piezoelectric charge coefficient d33 through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite article design significantly enhances the piezoelectric response of both polymers and ceramics by directly manipulating the d33 charge coefficient, providing improved performance in devices like energy harvesters and sensors without relying on the device structure, and offers a lead-free alternative.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric materials are materials that can generate charge and provide voltage when placed under mechanical stress ('piezoelectric effect')
Implementation Method 2
conversely can be deformed under an applied electrical field (the 'converse piezoelectric effect')
Data Source
AI summary
A composite article has 1) a dry piezoelectric layer, and 2) a pair of non-electrically-connected co-planar patterned electrodes that are arranged contiguously with an opposing surface of the dry piezoelectric layer. Each electrode essentially has (a) an electrically-conductive material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a) electrically-conductive material by at least 10%.